Galicia

Introduction

Groundswell hits Caión (Galicia, Spain)

Galicia is the wettest and greenest region of Spain, and world famous because of its capital city Santiago de Compostela. Yearly many travellers undertake the 'Camino de Santiago' pilgrimage. Because of its very different climate, its coast is far less developed touristically than the better known Costas in the east or south of Spain. So much so that the locals use primarily their own version of the spanish language. This area maintains a strong sense of its celtic and pre-historic roots. Dotted around the region are ruined settlements left behind by these civilisations and in many places celtic symbols are present still.

Geography

Most of inland Galicia is hilly or mountainous. The main coastal feature is the ría (wide estuary with steep sides). The Rias Altas (High Rías) flow into the north coast and the Rías Baixas to the west.Galicia is bordered to the south by Portugal, and to the east by Asturias and Castile and León. It has four provinces: A Coruña, Lugo, Orense and Pontevedra.

Tui - Border town with fortified cathedral - best place to stay for a public transport trip to Galicia and Portugal.

Ribodavia - a delightful small town in Orense Province.

Muros - very attractive town on the Ría de Muros and Noya.

Combarro - fascinating little village on the north side of the Ría de Pontevedra. Numerous horreos (stone grain stores like tombs with legs - for rats - and crosses on top - for evil spirits. A local postcard obligingly supplies the translation 'lurking places!'.

Events and Festivals

Festividade do Apóstolo Santiago (feast day of Saint James, patron saint of Galicia) in Santiago de Compostela on July 25 each year. It's celebrated with parades, parties and fireworks and has a carnival atmosphere.

On the first Sunday of August in the town of Catoira, south of Santiago de Compostela, holds a re-enactment of a Viking invasion called the Romeria Vikinga. This is followed by a feast and folk dancing.

In the first week of October there is a festival held in the city of Lugo called San Froilan. Here you can enjoy local bands of various styles, a fair and eating Pulpo (octopus). It lasts about a week.

Weather

Weather in this part of Spain is cooler and wetter compared to places to the south, east and central parts of the country. Summers last from late May to September when temperatures are around 22 to 26 degrees Celsius on average during the day while nights average around 12 to 15 degrees Celsius. Winters are from late November to early March when it's about 10 to 15 degrees Celsius during the day and nights are quite cold with 4 to 6 degrees Celsius. Precipitation is mainly concentrated in the colder half of year and from October to April you can expect some rain on about half of the number of days. Summers are better with 6-8 days with some rain. Usually, the coastal areas are somewhat cooler in summer, a little milder in winter but have more rain throughout the year. Areas in the centre and eastern inlands are a bit warmer and drier.

By Train

Trains to Madrid take 8 to 9 hours and you can either choose to travel by day or night. At least six or trains go daily to Ourense and one to Irún, on the French border, via León, Burgos and San Sebastián.Check the Spanish Railway website for details regarding schedules and prices.

Getting Around

By Train

By Car

Probably the best option for this region, especially in more rural areas. The AP (Autopista) number 9 connects Santiago de Compostela with Pontevedra and A Coruna, but it is a toll route. There is a slower tollfree road as well though.

By Bus

Eat

Given it's seaside location, seafood is a common occurence with options such as Pulpo a la Gallega (octopus tentacles with paprika), Empanada (either fish or meat pie) and Centolla (essentially King Crab).